King James Version

What Does Luke 1:10 Mean?

Luke 1:10 in the King James Version says “And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.”

Luke 1:10 · KJV

Context

8

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

9

According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

11

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12

And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'whole multitude of the people' praying outside during the incense offering created the sacred context for Gabriel's appearance. The hour of incense—9 AM or 3 PM—was a set time of prayer, showing the importance of regular, corporate worship. Their prayers ascending with the incense (Rev 8:3-4) demonstrate the connection between faithful intercession and divine intervention. The congregation's ignorance of the angelic visitation reminds us that God works behind visible circumstances in answer to prayer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The morning and evening incense offerings coincided with the daily sacrifices, creating structured times for national prayer. This corporate intercession represented Israel's longing for Messiah and redemption, which God was about to answer through John's birth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does corporate prayer create conditions for God's intervention in history?
  2. Why is regular, disciplined prayer important even when we don't see immediate results?
  3. What might God be doing behind the scenes in response to your prayers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πᾶν2 of 13

“the whole”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὸ3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλῆθος4 of 13

“multitude”

G4128

a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace

τοῦ5 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαοῦ6 of 13

“of the people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

ἦν7 of 13

“were”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

προσευχόμενον8 of 13

“praying”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

ἔξω9 of 13

“without”

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

τῇ10 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὥρᾳ11 of 13

“at the time”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυμιάματος13 of 13

“of incense”

G2368

an aroma, i.e., fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning itself

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 16:17Revelation 8:3Hebrews 9:24Hebrews 4:14

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